Two People Charged with TennCare Fraud in Bradley, Hamilton Counties

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two people are charged with TennCare fraud in separate cases in Hamilton and Bradley Counties. Both cases involve doctor shopping, which involves people going to multiple doctors in a 30-day period to obtain prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Oscar N. Morgan, 32, of McDonald, and Genora Treadwell Manning, 32, of Ocoee.

Morgan is charged in Hamilton County with two counts of doctor shopping to obtain the painkillers Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone. Manning faces three counts of doctor shopping in Bradley County in connection with obtaining prescriptions for the painkiller Tramadol.

“Prescription drug abuse hurts individuals, families and communities, and we’re intent on finding and prosecuting these cases when TennCare is involved,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Neal Pinkston will be prosecuting the Hamilton County case.  The Bradley County case will be prosecuted by Stephen D. Crump.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, more than 2,541 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or go to www.tn.gov/tnoig/  and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”